Fifty Top Young Scientists Win Prizes

Today, Discovery Education and 3M announced the top 50 middle school students from around the nation as semifinalists in the 11th annual Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge. The semifinalists were selected based on their science communication skills exhibited in a one- to two-minute video about a specific scientific concept that relates to innovative solutions for everyday life, such as how to reduce TV glare or how to lower heating/cooling bills.

Each semifinalist will receive $250 and a prize package that includes a plaque honoring their science teacher or mentor.

This August the judges will announce the top ten finalists, each of whom will be awarded an all-expenses paid trip to New York City to compete in the Young Scientist Challenge finals on October 6, 2009. The winner will receive $50,000 in U.S. Savings Bonds ($25,000 cash value) and the title of "America's Top Young Scientist."